Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based Solutions are actions that restore and protect natural habitats to help people adapt to the effects of change. Humans have used nature to buffer against the impact of environmental change impacts for millennia. However, only recently has awareness grown that nature can provide the most cost-effective way of adapting to climate change whilst also protecting the ecosystem services on which we depend. As you will discover, many countries recognise that nature is a major part of the solution to the effects of climate change. However, this vision for adaptation is not always followed up with relevant actions based on science. Scroll down to find out more.

NBS vs income group

Ecosystem focus vs NBS

66% of Paris Agreement signatories commit to restoring or protecting ecosystems in their NDCs

Of 167 NDC, 103 include commitments to the restoration or protection of nature in their adaptation plans, while an additional 27 describe such actions in their mitigation plans. Nature-based Solutions were particularly prominent in the adaptation plans of low or lower-middle income tropical and subtropical nations (explore these patterns on the map below).

Which ecosystems are prioritised for Nature-based Solutions?

The most commonly implemented or planned NBS action is the protection and/or restoration of terrestrial forests or woodlands, coastal and marine habitats, and river catchments (including wetland). Far rarer, overall, are plans to restore and protect montane habitats or grasslands and rangelands; we note that almost all examples of grassland or rangeland NBS actions come from Africa, despite the extensive presence of these habitats on other continents.

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